Khalistan groups turn to jail networks to recruit operatives across north India: Intel

NEW DELHI: Intelligence agencies have flagged attempts by pro-Khalistan groups, including Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), to infiltrate jails in north India and recruit operatives. The move comes amid revelations made by a recently detained operative who disclosed having been inducted and given Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's contact while serving time in Patiala jail.Agencies are now investigating the digital footprint, dead-drop financial channels, and the broader jail recruitment network, sources said. Agencies have also noted how ISI-backed modules are increasingly relying on dead-drop methods to channel funds, supply weapons, and execute covert tasks and have largely replaced physical handovers with pre-designated drop points along isolated highway stretches and border and rural sectors.Drawn straight from the classic spycraft playbook, this method ensures that foreign masterminds or handlers remain completely insulated from the foot soldiers executing their commands on the ground.